Chandler Williams, a renowned local photographer and South Walton Artist of the Year, has recently returned from a transformative journey to Kenya, where he dedicated his talents to support two impactful nonprofit organizations: Holding Hands Africa and Tsavo Trust.
For photographer Chandler Williams, travel has always been more than a vacation—it’s been a bridge to deeper connections and new opportunities. With each journey, he not only captures the world through his lens but builds lasting relationships, finds purpose in unexpected places, and discovers stories that continue to shape both his art and his life.
In 2024, Williams spent a month in Tanzania summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro and traveling the country to create content for a new kids’ education program. This year, Williams found himself with the opportunity to create content in Kenya. When meeting Santa Rosa beach local Sonya O’Brien, director of HHafrica.org, he knew he had made another lifetime connection—one rooted in shared purpose and a deep commitment to nonprofit work and a love for Africa.
Capturing Hope in Watamu
In the coastal town of Watamu, Williams collaborated with O’Brien and Holding Hands Africa, a nonprofit committed to partnering with the local community to educate and feed children. The organization operates schools, provides daily meals, and ensures access to safe water, working hand-in-hand with local leaders and families to foster economic development (hhafrica.org). Sonya O’Brien, founder of HHafrica.org, launched a pen pal program that connects students in Watamu, Kenya, with children at Seaside Charter School in South Walton, Florida. Her vision was to foster cross-cultural understanding and empathy through shared stories, letters, and experiences. The program has become a meaningful bridge between communities, inspiring students on both sides of the globe.
Williams documented the vibrant life at Bluebells Primary School and Gede Middle School, capturing moments of learning, play, and community engagement. His photographs aim to bring awareness to the organization’s mission and the children’s aspirations. But for Williams, the reward is not just in the images captured—each time he donates his work, he experiences a deeper sense of connection, humility, and personal growth.
“Every project with HH Africa reminds me why I picked up a camera in the first place. It’s about being present, listening, and sharing the beauty of lives that might otherwise go unseen,” Williams shared.
Protecting the Giants of Tsavo
Venturing inland, Williams joined forces with Tsavo Trust, a Kenyan nonprofit focused on wildlife conservation in the Tsavo Conservation Area. The organization is renowned for its efforts to protect the world’s last big tuskers—elephants with tusks weighing over 100 pounds on each side. (tsavotrust.org)
Through his lens, Williams captured the majesty of these iconic creatures and the dedicated work of conservationists striving to safeguard biodiversity and empower local communities. His images highlight the delicate balance between wildlife preservation and human development.
“Spending time alongside the rangers and the elephants is an experience that changes you,” Williams said. “Unlike a typical safari, you are spending time tracking and trying to find certain tuskers. We spent over 4 hours searching for one trek and came up empty handed. I guess that’s kind of the beauty of it all, you just never know what you will find on the next trek.”
A Journey of Purpose and Reflection
Reflecting on his experience, Williams explained, “This journey was more than a photographic expedition; it was a personal pilgrimage. The resilience of the communities and the grandeur of the wildlife in Kenya are truly inspiring. Each time I donate my work to these nonprofits, I get back something priceless in return: clarity, purpose, and the reminder that creativity can serve a greater good. I have always felt that creating with a camera has been the right fit for me. These travels really allow me to really live in the moment and appreciate the now.
His work serves as a bridge, connecting audiences in Santa Rosa Beach and beyond to the vital efforts of these organizations. By showcasing the realities and triumphs of communities and conservationists in Kenya, Williams hopes to foster greater support and understanding.
Chandler Williams’ photographic journey underscores the power of visual storytelling in driving awareness and change. But more than that, it illustrates how giving through art can enrich not only communities around the world—but also the artist’s own life in return.
With funding being pulled from nonprofits and emergency meetings taking priority, Williams suddenly found himself with a few unexpected days on his hands. So, in true spontaneous spirit, he decided to go to Egypt. What followed was a journey through ancient wonders, quiet reflection, and unexpected inspiration. Chandler Williams set off on a new path that didn’t disappoint—but that… is a story for another time.
Supporting the Cause
For those interested in learning more or contributing to these causes:
- Holding Hands Africa: Visit hhafrica.org to explore their educational initiatives and community programs.
- Tsavo Trust: Learn about their conservation efforts at tsavotrust.org, including the Big Tusker Project and community conservancies.
Author: Sowal Editor
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